Three key matchups to watch as Patriots take on Ravens

The Patriots finally get to play in front of their home crowd as they welcome the Baltimore Ravens to Gillette Stadium on Sunday; (the Patriots, Colts and Buccaneers are the only teams yet to play a home game). After dispatching the New York Jets in week one, the Ravens raced out to a 35-14 lead over the Miami Dolphins last week before falling apart in a disastrous fourth quarter that saw them get outscored 28-3 (that score will never get old). While everything with the Ravens starts and ends with former MVP Lamar Jackson, here are three key matchups to keep an eye on in week three.

Key matchup: Patriots edge rushers vs. Lamar Jackson

Even without the large contract he covets, Jackson is back to his MVP ways after sitting out the majority of last season with an injury. He’s off to a hot start through the air with six touchdowns to only one interception, and ranks third in the NFL with a 120.1 quarterback rating. But through two games, Jackson also has been the best running threat for the Ravens as well with 15 carries for 136 yards and a touchdown, while the rest of the team combined only has 31 carries.

The Patriots should be able to provide pressure, mainly off the edge as the Ravens are battling injuries at offensive tackle. Ronnie Stanley is still working his way back from injury and Ja’Wuan James is out for the season after tearing an Achilles in week one. The key is for rushers such as Matthew Judon, Josh Uche and Deatrich Wise to keep contain and not let Jackson make plays with his legs.